The rules template
Copy this text, replace what's in brackets, and send it to everyone before the draft. Each section is explained below.
Scoring
Classic scoring (goal 1, assist 1, win 2, shutout 2) is the most common. If you want to reward defensive defencemen and goalies who make lots of saves, switch to detailed scoring with fractional points: plus/minus, power play, shots, hits, blocked shots, saves. Also write down the key rule: only players active on game day count.
Lineup and bench
Specify the number of players per position, the bench size and the injured reserve. For IR, decide who's eligible: players listed as "out" or on the NHL's injured reserve, but not "day-to-day". Otherwise everyone hides players there.
The draft
Date, time, mode (in person or online), type (snake or fixed order) and how the order is drawn. Also plan for no-shows: an auto-pick of the best available player solves it without holding everyone else up.
Lineup changes
The fairest rule: a change takes effect at the player's next game. A player whose game has started can't be moved that day, which prevents activating a player after he's already scored.
Free agents and waivers
Limit the number of adds per week (2 or 3 is reasonable) so the most active player doesn't empty the market. Waivers protect everyone: a dropped player can't be instantly picked up by a buddy; he's offered to all for a short period, then the team with priority gets him.
Trades
Three things to write down: the trade deadline (early March is classic), who can block a trade (commissioner veto or a vote) and what happens to points (they normally stay with the team that had the player when he earned them).
All these rules, already built in
On Yetii Pool, the commissioner just ticks his choices: scoring, lineup, weekly adds, waivers, trade veto and deadline, optional salary cap. The site enforces the rules automatically.
Tiebreakers
Two teams tied on the last day happens more often than you'd think. Set an order: most goals, most goalie wins, then a coin toss. What matters is that it's decided ahead of time.
End of season and prizes
The NHL sometimes corrects stats the day after a game (an assist added, a goal credited to another player). Wait a day or two after the last game before declaring a champion. For prizes, there's no need for money: a trophy that gets passed on, a dinner paid by last place, a ridiculous jersey for the loser… Your call.
Popular optional rules
- Salary cap: your team's payroll must stay under a cap (often the NHL's).
- Max players from one NHL team: stops anyone from building a 100% Leafs team.
- Rookie scoring: a bonus for first-year players.
- Best X only: only each team's top players count in the standings.
- NHL team pick: each person picks an NHL team whose wins earn them points.
Frequently asked questions
What rules should a hockey pool have?
At minimum: format, scoring, lineup, draft date and type, lineup changes, free agents, trades, tiebreakers and end of season. The template on this page covers all of it.
Do points follow a traded player?
Usually not: points already earned stay with the team that had the player, and the new owner only collects points scored after the trade.
What are waivers in a hockey pool?
A short period during which a dropped player can be claimed by any team before he becomes a free agent again. It prevents passing a player to a friend.
Can rules change during the season?
Technically yes, but only with majority agreement. It's better to write everything down before the draft and keep changes for next season.